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With cold and flu season comes another common childhood ailment — ear infections.

Ear infections often follow upper respiratory tract infections, which are infections of the nose and throat.

The eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the throat, doesn’t work as well when you’re sick. Bacteria can collect in the middle ear and cause an ear infection, said Dr. Laurie Peterson, a Marshfield Clinic pediatric urgent care physician.

Telltale symptoms usually signal an ear infection, but a health care provider will check for a bulging eardrum to make the decision, she said.

Recognize and treat ear infections

Seeing the doctor is your best bet for younger children and older kids who have certain symptoms.

“A child with chronic or recurring ear infections may have decreased ability to hear,” Peterson said. “Ear infections while the child is learning language can delay speech if the child isn’t hearing well.”

A severe, untreated ear infection can lead to a ruptured eardrum and/or balance problems.

Minor ear infection symptoms sometimes can be treated and watched at home. Check for worsening symptoms daily if you don’t bring your child to the doctor right away.

This chart will help you decide how to handle your child’s ear infection symptoms.

How to recognize, treat ear infections in kids(Photo: Marshfield Clinic)

This article is part of the "Central to Your Health" series produced by Marshfield Clinic. To find more stories like this, visit Shine365 at Marshfield Clinic.

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